by Mick Ryan A Muerte Dave MacLeod established his own Fr 8c+ this year, Ring of Steall and has now consolidated his sport climbing credentials with an ascent of A Muerte Fr 9a on Sector Campiqi-Pugi, Siurana in Spain. This is the routes fifth ascent after being establised by the UK´s Richard Simpson (UKC news report) who thought it „proper 9a“ although repeat ascensionist, the USA´s David Graham said, at the height of his downgrading period that, „Maybe its 8c+, but who knows.“ MacLeod worked on A Muerte on an earlier trip to Spain, when he flashed his first Fr 8a. This trip as well as A Muerte, he has done Luxury Fr 8b+ and is making progress on Afrodita, a massive Fr 8c+, according to his blog (davemacleod.blogspot.com) As has been mentioned on the UKClimbing.com thread this ascent puts MacLeod in a very unique club, perhaps with only one member. MacLeod has climbed trad headpoint E11 (an 8c+ R/X rated route), Sport 9a, established the world?s first grade XI winter route, done M12 tooling, soloed Fr 8b and bouldered Font 8b……..and yes, he has done lots on grit!


![[VIDEO] Irmgard Braun: Record Breaking Rock Climber Who Gets Stronger Every Year Irmgard Braun: Record Breaking Rock Climber Who Gets Stronger Every Year (c) Hannah Morris Bouldering](https://www.climbing.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/youtube_MpAJEENfEjg-218x150.jpg)

![[VIDEO] The Challenge – Steve McClure The Challenge - Steve McClure (c) Petzl Sport](https://www.climbing.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/youtube_mfK9ynVsDvI-218x150.jpg)
![[VIDEO] Silence 9c/5.15d – The journey begins for Will Bosi Silence 9c/5.15d - The journey begins for Will Bosi (c) William Bosi](https://www.climbing.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/youtube_ujb7YRfE-7k-218x150.jpg)
![[VIDEO] Yosemite Crack Testpiece: Connor Herson on Magic Line Yosemite Crack Testpiece: Connor Herson on Magic Line (c) Fusis Films](https://www.climbing.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/youtube_h4GEt5iSZpA-218x150.jpg)
![[VIDEO] Hardest Trad Flash Ever | Adam Ondra | Lexicon E11 Hardest Trad Flash Ever | Adam Ondra | Lexicon E11 (c) Mammut](https://www.climbing.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/youtube_SAUyrDLG5xM-218x150.jpg)
![[VIDEO] Teneriffa Bouldering Part 1](https://www.climbing.de/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/vimeo_86196224-150x150.jpg)
![[VIDEO] Southern Hospitality](https://www.climbing.de/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/vimeo_84048384-150x150.jpg)











